How to Clean and Season Cast Iron Cookware

Dish soap or no? What about rust? What does it mean to season a skillet, anyway? Follow a few simple cardinal rules and your cast iron will last for years and years.

Continue reading "How to Clean and Season Cast Iron Cookware" »

from Simply Recipes https://ift.tt/2UVowni
via IFTTT

Easy Ham and Cheese Stromboli

This meat and cheese-stuffed stromboli will feed a crowd! Homemade stromboli with ham, salami, provolone, and mozzarella rolled up in pizza dough. Easy to make, easy to share.

Continue reading "Easy Ham and Cheese Stromboli" »

from Simply Recipes https://ift.tt/2COTQgD
via IFTTT

Marie Kondo Your Kitchen With These 10 Amazon Products

Marie Kondo has made an art form out of home organization. Through her KonMari Method, she encourages you to only keep items in your home that spark joy (and to purge the rest). She brings her concept to life in her new #trending Netflix series called “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” If you’re a fan of dramatic before-and-afters, then definitely add this show to your list (we are proud to say that we binge-watched the entire series in one weekend). In the spirit of spring cleaning, we’re going to go de-clutter our whole kitchen in a way that would make Marie proud. Keep reading for our picks on the Amazon products you need to help you master Marie’s method.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, $9.69 on Amazon (43% off!)

Marie Kondo’s best-selling book details how to implement her KonMari method in your own home.

See It

For Your Pantry

Royal Air-Tight Food Storage Container Set, 10 for $54.99 on Amazon

Royal/Amazon

We’ve been seeing a ton of #pantrygoals images on our Instagram feed lately from both celebs and normal people like us (look at Khloe Kardashian’s pantry for major inspo). One product every image seems to have in common is clear stackable food storage containers. These containers are great because they allow you to see what’s inside, they stack for maximum storage space, and they help to create uniformity and harmony in your pantry.See It

SimpleHouseware Stackable Can Rack Organizer, $21.87 on Amazon (originally $29.99)

SimpleHouseware/Amazon

Wrangle those canned goods with this stackable can rack organizer. It can hold up to 36 cans and comes with adjustable dividers so you can make just about any size can fit.See It

ClosetMaid Adjustable 8-Tier Wall and Door Rack, $46.90 on Amazon

ClosetMaid/Amazon

Get extra space out of your pantry with this hanging door rack. You can use this for any overflow items you might have laying around, from canned goods and paper towels to spices and baking items.See It

For Your Kitchen Drawers

Joseph Joseph Kitchen Drawer Organizer Tray for Cutlery, $9.99 on Amazon

Joseph Joseph/Amazon

At press time, this was the number one ranked item in Amazon’s “Movers and Shakers—Home and Kitchen” category, which means this item is #trending in a big way and we can see why. The last thing you want to do when you’re starving is struggle to find a fork because it’s buried underneath a million utensils. This kitchen drawer organizer gives each piece of cutlery its own home, which helps keep things chaos-free.See It

STORi Clear Plastic Vanity and Desk Drawer Organizers, 6 for $14.99 (originally $19.99)

STORi/Amazon

The infamous junk drawer. We all have one, but Marie encourages us to tackle even that area. Whatever you decide to store in this prized real estate space, the key to keeping it tidy is to give each item a place to call home. To fully organize it, Marie suggests taking everything out of the drawer, organizing items into categories, deciding what to keep/purge, and then placing similar items into their own container, like these see-through trays in various sizes.See It

For Your Cupboards

YouCopia Chef’s Edition SpiceStack 30-Bottle Spice Organizer with Universal Drawers, $34.20 on Amazon

YouCopia/Amazon

As one reviewer puts it, “The racks themselves are fantastic—I love them to death.” This might sound a little dramatic for a spice organizer, but we feel you. This spice organizer can fit 30 full-size or 60 half-size round or square spice bottles. The drawers pull out and lower to display spices at eye level so you can quickly see your inventory when making your grocery list. Genius!See It

Extreme Matters Heavy Duty Pan Organizer, $29.85 on Amazon

Extreme Matters/Amazon

Do you shove all of your pans into the cabinet and then run away as quickly as possible before you can hear everything come crashing down? Stop living your life in fear and buy this organizer to make things just a little bit easier. This rack can be used vertically or horizontally, depending on the size of your cabinets, and fits 5 pans. After reading the reviews, it looks like people have also used this rack to organize extra dishes, so this product is definitely versatile.See It

To Create Extra Storage Space

AmazonBasics 3-Shelf Shelving Unit, $24.67 on Amazon

Amazon

If you don’t have the space, then no matter how well you organize your items, you will always feel like things look cramped and cluttered. This 3-tier shelving unit will solve that space dilemma and give you more room to organize your excess items. You can either fit this inside your pantry if it’s large enough, or keep it out in your kitchen or mudroom.See It

For Under the Sink

BINO Woven Plastic Storage Basket, 3 for $24.99 on Amazon

BINO/Amazon

Just because no one usually sees underneath your sink, doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for organizing this space. Use these chic baskets to place cleaning supplies, rubber gloves, a dish brush, extra garbage bags, etc…Once organized, you won’t have to cringe every time you open this cupboard.See It

For Your Fridge

Enther Meal Prep Containers, 12 for $13.99 on Amazon

Enther/Amazon

You’ve Marie Kondo’d your pantry, drawers, cupboards, and even underneath the sink, but you need to show your fridge some love as well. Using the same method you did for the other areas of your kitchen, organize your food into categories and decide what to keep and throw away. Next, place similar items into containers and stack away to save space and a little bit of sanity since you’ll now know where everything is.See It

If you’re eager to keep on organizing, check out some more of our favorite meal prep containers, pointers on spring cleaning your pantry, plus tips to organize your kitchen for healthy eating. And why stop there? See Rachael Ray’s video tutorial on how to fold everything the Marie Kondo way too!

Related Video: How to Organize Your Spices, According to Professional Organizers

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop. 

This post was originally published on January 18, 2019 and was updated on March 25, 2019.

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2TUTob7
via IFTTT

Spring Greening: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Your Kitchen

Spring is coming. For some of us, that means a kick in the ass to do some sprucing up—organizing the pantry, tidying up the kitchen, lightening our actual menus, and so forth. Combine that seasonal motivation with environmental conscientiousness and replace some of your conventional kitchen cleaning products with greener alternatives.

They’re nothing new at this point; we first wrote about these brands we love in 2008, and they’re all still on our list of favorite eco-friendly products. Pretty much every one of them is available at most major grocery stores these days, but if you haven’t tried one yet, there’s no time like the present.

1. DIY Cleaning Products

Simple Houseware Blue Glass Spray Bottles, 2 for $10.87 on AmazonBuy Now

Simple Houseware

The best way to be sure you’re not spraying toxic chemicals in your kitchen is to make your own cleaning solutions. Many are based on white vinegar or baking soda, making them an extremely economical option. Check out these simple recipes for a start. If you like scented products, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to them. Reusable glass spray bottles are perfect for holding your concoctions; amber glass can help protect any oils in the mix, but you can also get clear bottles if you prefer. We’re partial to a bright pop of color—but these options all come with labels so you can remember which mixture is which.

2. ECOS Earth Friendly Products

ECOS Earth Enzymes Earth Friendly Drain Maintainer, $10.39 on AmazonBuy Now

ECOS

This producer makes tons of different cleaning products, but one of the best is a drain opener that’s nontoxic and nonpolluting. Earth Enzymes employs bacterial mixtures and proteolytic enzymes to clear your drain. It’s also safe for septic systems—it doesn’t kill off beneficial bacteria. Use it to unclog the kitchen sink or garbage disposal.

3. Twist Sponges

Twist Reusable European Sponge Cloth, $2.98 on AmazonBuy Now

Twist

Twist makes biodegradable hand-sewn sponges out of cellulose sourced from renewable tree farms, and it reuses most of its waste. The small product line includes the European Sponge Cloth shown above, a long-lasting paper towel alternative, and the Loofah Sponge, which has an abrasive side.

4. BioKleen

BioKleen Bac-Out Stain & Odor Remover, $30.40 on AmazonBuy Now

BioKleen

Biokleen’s cream cleansers, soaps, and all-purpose cleaners are chlorine- and phosphate-free. For fighting mildew, try its stain and odor eliminator, which uses live enzymes to break down nasty smells and molds (i.e. it’s just as effective on living room carpets as it is on wine-stained tablecloths and smelly kitchen linens). You can buy it in smaller sizes, but if you have the storage space, may as well stock up.

5. Method

Method All-Purpose Surface Cleaner, $5.49 at WalmartBuy Now

Method

Method’s biodegradable, nontoxic products are widely available and easy on your wallet. Its granite and marble cleaner and wood polish will keep your counters and cabinets sparkling, but you can also pick up an all-purpose cleaner for pretty much any countertop—in scents from fresh mint to zesty pink grapefruit.

6. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Kitchen Basics Set, $11.37 on AmazonBuy Now

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day

Basil, lavender, geranium, and lemon verbena smell a lot better than Windex and Pine-Sol. The Mrs. Meyer’s website clearly outlines the ingredients in each item if you have special sensitivities. The basil-scented Kitchen Basics Set will get you started with dish soap, countertop spray, and hand soap (but if you prefer other scents, there are plenty, from the aforementioned lavender and lemon verbena to spring-appropriate geranium and limited-edition peony).

7. Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation Fragrance Free Dishwashing Liquid, $12.21 at WalmartBuy Now

Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation’s dishwashing liquid works well enough to stand up to a test kitchen’s pots and pans, so it should serve you well at home. It’s also biodegradable, nontoxic, and free of phosphates and petroleum-based cleaners. It comes lightly scented or fragrance free.

8. Shaklee

Shaklee Scour Off Heavy-Duty Scouring Paste, $23.99 on AmazonBuy Now

Shaklee

Shaklee made its first biodegradable product in 1960, long before movie stars were driving Priuses and “green” was fashionable. Try the heavy-duty scouring paste for pots and pans and your oven itself (not to mention your sink); it uses natural mineral abrasives and biodegradable cleaning agents. Their cleaning wipes are great for lighter jobs. If you don’t like the company’s stuff, it offers a full refund.

9. Ecover

Ecover Floor Soap with Linseed Oil, $21.99 on AmazonBuy Now

Ecover

Ecover sells eco-friendly soap, rinse aid, and surface cleaner, as well as biodegradable compost bags, but what makes the company unique is that it manufactures the products in green factories with living roofs for insulation. The floor soap won’t leave behind any unnecessary chemical residue, but check the website to be sure it will work with your flooring type.

10. Biodegradable Scrubbers

Black Lion Tawashi Brushes, 3 for $12.69 on AmazonBuy Now

Black Lion

If you need to buy a new scrub brush, consider one made from an alternative to plastic. Japanese tawashi brushes are constructed out of super-tough but totally biodegradable palm fibers and are great for scrubbing fruit and veggies, as well as wooden and cast iron cookware. We also get a kick out of the Sandclean, which offers some hard-core abrasion thanks to its threads of sandpaperlike cloth but looks more like a pile of rubber bands.

11. Veggie Wash

Veggie Wash All-Natural Fruit and Vegetable Wash, $32.38 on AmazonBuy Now

Veggie Wash

While you’re cleaning all your kitchen surfaces, linens, dishes, and appliances, don’t forge your fruit and veggies too. Buying organic is great for the environment and your health, but even then, there may be traces of dirt, wax, and other things you don’t want to eat. That said, you can also make your own produce wash with equal parts vinegar and water if you like.

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.

Make a Fresh Start

Marie Kondo Your Kitchen With These 10 Amazon Products

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2U02ByX
via IFTTT

11 Healthy Recipes That Sneak Spinach into Your Diet

One sure sign that spring’s approaching is the sight of perky green spinach leaves at the market. While the leafy green is available year-round, it’s at its peak during the cooler months of fall and spring, which means it’s coming into abundance right about now. In addition to being affordable both fresh and frozen, spinach is full of phytonutrients and antioxidants, as well as vitamins K, A, B6, and C. Not so into the idea of eating raw spinach salads? That’s OK—the lightweight leaf takes well to blending, steaming, sautéing, and more, so it’s a great candidate for sneaking into dips, finger foods, sauces, and even pastries.

Personally, we’re all for celebrating spinach in its full green glory, but picky eaters might prefer it be disguised, so we have options for both palates. Either way, it’s always good to add more vegetables to your diet—and while you might never be able to sneak spinach into buttercream frosting, you can definitely work it into veggie nuggets and all the delicious options you see below.

1. Garlicky Kale and Spinach Dip

Chowhound

If you’re more into snacks than smoothies, get in your greens by blending spinach with kale and pine nuts for a piquant dip that pairs nicely with root vegetable chips. Get our Garlicky Kale and Spinach Dip recipe.

2. Steamed Vegetable Dumplings

Chowhound

Spinach is the star of these steamed Chinese dumplings, which begin with a cooked filling of chopped spinach, rehydrated shiitake mushrooms, and pressed tofu. Get our Steamed Vegetable Dumplings recipe.

3. Spinach Pesto Fusilli

Chowhound

For a milder, sweeter pesto, substitute baby spinach for basil; toss with al dente fusilli (gluten-free if need be; the sauce is already GF). Get our Spinach Pesto Fusilli recipe.

4. Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Feta

Chowhound

Want a simple way to wake up your tired chicken breast dinner? Stuff it with a Greek-inspired spinach and feta filling. Get our Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Feta recipe.

5. Spinach and Basil Hummus

Chowhound

Make homemade hummus even healthier by slipping in two parts spinach leaves to one part sweet basil. Get our Spinach and Basil Hummus recipe.

6. Spinach Mushroom Enchiladas

Chowhound

Not quite the spinach salad type? That’s OK—we think you’ll hardly notice the leafy green in this cheese- and tomatillo-sauce-smothered entree. Get our Spinach Mushroom Enchiladas recipe.

7. Fresh Spinach Dip

Chowhound

If you love creamy, cool spinach dip but find yourself questioning the authenticity of its ingredients, make your own. This version starts with fresh spinach leaves and sour cream, not frozen spinach and dehydrated soup mix. Get our Fresh Spinach Dip recipe.

8. Spinach Meatloaf

Chowhound

Our contemporary version of meatloaf includes spinach and celery in the mix, a bacon crust, and tomato sauce to keep things moist. Get our Spinach Meatloaf recipe.

9. Indian Chickpea Curry with Spinach

Chowhound

Next time you’re in the mood for Indian, make a batch of chickpea-studded chana masala with a few cups of baby spinach tucked in. Get our Indian Chickpea Curry with Spinach recipe.

10. Joe’s Special (Spinach Scramble)

Chowhound

This spinach-packed scramble with onion, garlic, ground beef, and parmesan was invented in 1920s San Francisco. Bread is the usual accompaniment, but try wrapping it in whole wheat tortillas and freezing them for your own on-the-go breakfast burritos that aren’t ultra-processed. Get our Joe’s Special Spinach Scramble recipe.

11. Spinach and Weisswurst Quiche

Chowhound

This hearty quiche recipe takes a nod from both French and German cultures with its flaky crust and finely textured veal sausage. It’s ideal for breakfast, dinner, or any occasion in between. Get our Spinach and Weisswurst Quiche recipe.

Related Video: How to Make Easy Spinach Lasagna

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2TZlkdO
via IFTTT

Get These ‘Game of Thrones’ Themed Food and Drinks for Your Season 8 Premiere Party

How to Make the Food You See in ‘Game of Thrones’

Winter may have arrived in Westeros, but that’s not going to stop our favorite “Game of Thrones” characters from indulging in their favorite sweets, meats, and goblets upon goblets of various boozes. (Or at least that’s what we assume. Not even a White Walker seems like it’d stand in the way of a Lannister, Stark, or Targaryen and his or her meal.)

To celebrate the upcoming premiere of season eight, we’re revisiting our video from last year (above) that highlights some of the interesting cuisine that we’ve encountered in seasons past. From decadent desserts and entrees to no frills campfire delicacies (Ed Sheeran rabbit, anyone?), the food has certainly been unique. And who can forget the way Tormund Giantsbane ate a chicken leg at Brienne of Tarth?

While waiting to see what the final season has in store, we’ve rounded up some of the most notable dishes below, along with recipes that you can try for yourself.

Lemon Cakes

Chowhound

We envision lemon cakes to look more like lemon-filled Zebra Cakes, but a lemon cupcake with lemon-cream cheese frosting is the modern-day equivalent. And frankly, we’re pretty happy with that. Get the Lemon Cakes recipe.

Kidney Pie (or Steak and Ale Pie)

Chowhound

You may be reluctant to try kidney pie, to say nothing of Frey pie, but what if we suggested a dish with tender steak and dark beer (also GOT appropriate)? Does that pie sound so terrible now? If not, get our Short Rib and Ale Pie recipe.

Purple Wedding Pie

Chowhound

If you’re not a savory pie person, opt for a cherry or apple pie. Those are probably more up your alley. Or maybe a purple berry pie with a little something extra to commemorate Joffrey’s wedding? Don’t worry; in this case, the secret ingredient is only anise. Get our Mixed Berry and Anise Pie recipe.

Pork Sausage

Chowhound

Sure, its association with the show may send shudders down any man’s spine, but there’s no denying the deliciousness of pork sausage. If you’ve been searching for a homemade variety that you can cut, blend, and grind by hand (we know, we know), try our Bratwurst recipe on for size.

Oysters, Clams, and Cockles

Chowhound

Braavos has its fair share of seafood (just ask Arya) and Westeros has its fair share of wine. Combine the best of both worlds with this oyster dish featuring a prosecco mignonette. You won’t get drunk, but your breath will certainly rival that of a dragon. Get our Oysters with Prosecco Mignonette recipe.

Roast Boar

Chowhound

Pay homage to the wild boar that did Robert Baratheon in way back in the first season by roasting a whole pig—it’s also just appropriately medieval. Get our Whole Roast Suckling Pig recipe.

Whole Roasted Chickens

Chowhound

If a whole pig on a platter is a little too much, take a lead from The Hound and chow down on an entire roast chicken instead—in the form of a Cornish game hen unless you’re really hungry. Get our Cornish Game Hens with Millet Stuffing recipe.

Mulled Wine

Chowhound

There is no “Game of Thrones” menu without wine, and while you can guzzle it straight from the goblet a la Cersei Lannister, it is getting awfully cold in the Seven Kingdoms, so why not cozy up with hot mulled wine? It has extra alcohol in the form of port, which we imagine Tyrion could get behind. Get our Smoking Bishop Mulled Red Wine with Port recipe.

Game Of Thrones Pinot Noir on Drizly

Price and availability varies.

Buy Now

Game Of Thrones Cabernet Sauvignon on Drizly

Price and availability varies.

Buy Now

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.

from Food News – Chowhound https://ift.tt/2t8NFgs
via IFTTT